Senator Angus King described his vote to keep the government open as one of the most difficult of his career. While some saw the shutdown as an opportunity to oppose Trump, King argued that closing the government would actually give the administration more power. He referenced statements from President Trump threatening “irreversible” damage to Democratic priorities if funding lapsed.
Earlier in the month, Fetterman was the sole Democrat to support the GOP funding measure. He has repeatedly stressed the need to prevent a government shutdown, cautioning against giving the president additional leverage.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) noted that Republicans, holding 53 seats, still require at least eight Democratic votes to pass the continuing resolution, as Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) opposes maintaining funding levels from the Biden administration. Thune said additional votes will be scheduled in the coming days in hopes of securing broader bipartisan support to reopen the government.
The situation underscores growing tension within the Senate as lawmakers weigh economic concerns, political strategy, and the impact of a potential government shutdown.
